Aligners are very similar to gumshields – except they are clear, thin and removable. They are tailor made to fit your teeth exactly. They move the teeth in small increments. The patient changes to new aligners every 1-2 weeks until the teeth are in the optimum position. Small tooth coloured attachments can be placed on the teeth to help guide them along. Patients opting for aligners must wear their aligners for 22 hours/day for them to work. They should be taken out for eating, drinking and toothbrushing. Not every malocclusion is suited to treatment with aligners and Dr Bowe will advise you if it is an option in your case.